The Liberal and Nationals Government has announced applications have opened for a further $50 million for priority flood mitigation infrastructure projects across the country.

The National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program will now deliver $100 million over two years for projects that will prepare and protect Australian communities from future devastating flood events.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said communities across Australia will benefit from this Program, funded under the Emergency Response Fund, to deliver priority flood mitigation infrastructure projects.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to investing in infrastructure projects that will reduce the impacts of major flood events to Australian communities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The program will fund projects that support local communities to better withstand severe flood events and align with the objectives of the Emergency Response Fund.

“I urge local governments to bring forward projects that will benefit their communities to the New South Wales Government for consideration.”

The second round of the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program will build on the success of the program last financial year, with a renewed focus by targeting levees, levee systems, infrastructure to promote flood plain restoration and specific green infrastructure initiatives that mitigate flood risk.

The Program Guidelines for the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program 2021-22 are now available and applications for funding are open to states and territories. The Program guidelines and application form are available at www.recovery.gov.au.

In addition to the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure initiatives, the Australian Government’s investment in resilience, risk reduction and preparedness also includes:

• $600 million Preparing Australia Program
• $4.5 million National Capability Package
• $37.1 million Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) package to improve the resilience of Australia’s communications networks in bushfire and disaster-prone areas program funded under the $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund and the Mobile Black Spot Program
• $85 million Natural Hazards Research Australia, a new natural hazards and disaster resilience research centre for the next ten years
• $200 million Infrastructure Betterment Fund in New South Wales, jointly funded with the NSW Government, with $100 million from the Australian Government
• $261 million Disaster Risk Reduction Package, jointly funded with states and territories, with $130.5 million from the Australian Government.
• $11 million in additional funding for the National Aerial Firefighting Centre capability
• $2 million to ensure the availability and integrity of emergency alert systems
• $8 million to progress the Public Safety Mobile Broadband proof of concept trial in NSW.

The Australian Government is also building resilience into its recovery investments, such as the $2.8 billion for 2019-20 Black Summer bushfire recovery.